Message from Brian Cookson

A message to British Cycling members from Brian Cookson, OBE, President of British Cycling:

"Many of you have been in touch to communicate your concerns about the Lance Armstrong affair and the troubles besetting our sport.

After a wonderful summer, the USADA report on Armstrong has seen cycling attract the wrong kind of headlines.

However, while this is painful for those of us who love cycling, I believe this is a necessary process and one from which the sport will emerge stronger.

I welcome the UCI decision to accept the findings of the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s investigation into Lance Armstrong and I promise to use my role on the UCI Management Committee to reflect the concerns many of you have expressed via email and social media.

Cycling must act on the lessons from USADA’s thorough investigation, which has brought light into a dark era in our sport. I believe we have already made progress but the actions of the past continue to affect the present and we have to maintain our vigilance.

British Cycling remains as committed as ever to the fight against doping and we are proud of our record of providing a clean environment for our riders to compete in.

Our work across the sport – providing opportunities to compete or just enjoy riding bikes – goes on."